Mind your Characters and Take Care of your Money

(Money bank)

Characters affect one’s spending pattern. If you are squandering and want to go for money saving, change your character and develop new habits then.

Characters that promote people to be a squanderer:

1. Too optimistic

Some people are too optimistic and the situation is even worse if they are pleasure-seekers at the same time. Enjoying themselves is a high priority. They won’t adjust their expenditure even they are jobless. They believe money will come in again pretty soon and so there is no need to adopt frugality to depress oneself. On the contrary, they use spending money as an excuse to cope with decompression. After eating up all the saving, stress goes on accumulating.

2. Too demanding

Some people are too demanding, always conscious of the brand products and their latest versions, pursuing the expensive products. They believe high price is justified by high quality. This rigid belief molds the diehard loyalty of famous brands and high-priced products. They refuse switching to the less costly alternative, which may have the same functions, features and quality standard. The rigidity can cause troubles when one's income and wealth cannot afford the diehard spending pattern. Demanding people will use credit card frequently and may go into debt for years.

3. Too capricious

Some people change their mind very easily and they can’t resist the temptation of switching whenever they see something new. They will keep shifting to various brands, different models or even versions for mobile phone, digital camera, computer and branded handbag, etc. An expensive item may be used for a few days or a month and then resold at a low price. Frequent and yet unnecessary changes drain money away from one’s wallet continuously. Capricious people are so accustomed to frequent replacements that they become indifferent to the money loss.

4. Too generous or too casual

Generous or casual buyers do not think or check carefully before the purchase. They often buy things at a higher price, overlooking the flaws, waste money on similarities or duplications, and have purchases that fail in matching their practical needs. When the purchased item is of no use, they will put it aside or give it away. However, for expensive item such as house, let it seat idle or be a gift won’t work. The circumstance is even worse if the item needs an expensive fix before it can be for self-use or resale.

5. Too greedy

Greedy people have difficulty in resisting low prices. They will buy crazily in discount sales, more than they actually need. The results are often an excess, usage below the average, obsoleteness and depreciation. Besides the actual prices, the cost of handling many unused or seldom used items, either by keeping things in order or reselling them to cash back, is a definite loss due to one’s greed.

Have a self-examination see if you have any of these characters and whether you are empowering them to waste your money. If the answer is “yes”, it will be a good investment to change your character in the long run. This involves introducing a new set of good principles to rebuild your money concept and consumer behavior, and reinforce them with a concrete habit development.

To insert a quick control over money out, you can try two basic strategies: freeze your money and set rules, to resist the desire to buy. High self-discipline is required for an effective implementation.

Freezing your money is to put aside part of your income and the accumulated amount should be untouched. You have to keep telling yourself that there is no extra money to entertain a purchase.

Setting rules allow reasons rather than passions ruling the money issue. You can adopt many different rules at a time, for example, only buy new when old is gone, set quota for an item regardless of the low price.

If you have problems on implementing the two recommended strategies, don’t give up easily. Try your best to identify which character contributing to the squander and be determined to change it, which is the source of the chronic problem.

Hope everyone succeeds in spending wisely and be able to save more money.

Author’s note:

If you are a credit card user, I suggested you read the article below to get more ideas on how to freeze your money as this strategy is particular helpful to ensure that you have enough money to pay off in a monthly basis.

Use Credit Card Wisely and Leave No Debt

Examine your expenditure and your possessions; explore new opportunity to cut cost. The two articles below may give you some ideas on saving money in different aspects or contexts.

How to Handle Never, No Longer and Seldom Used Items

10 Dating Tips to Save Money

Stop Being a Looker-on

Many people want to know how to be happy. This good quality is not exclusive to children. Let us be inspired by dogs and recruit the happy feeling.

A beautiful day with blue sky, Sai Kung (a famous suburb of Hong Kong) was crowded with tourists and local people. I expected to have a relaxing afternoon there. Strolling along the waterfront, quite a number of visitors gathered at some thresholds heading downward to the sea. What made people stay and watch as if they were spell-bounded? The charm came from human’s loyal little friends – dogs.

Nearly no dogs could resist temptation of jumping into the sea for a good swim. They kept their masters waiting at the thresholds, watching them having fun. Their spontaneous excitement, harmless naughtiness and heartily enjoyment formed a lovely sight that was eye-catching indeed. Not knowing how to swim, I sat on the breakwater and took some snapshots of these admirable hedonists.

The lively sight and the photo-taking gave me a great pleasure. Down to the sea and up to the land, many dogs had fun. Their audiences were duller. I suddenly realize that many people are lookers-on in the happy moment, as if pleasure is so scarce that there is not enough for each living creature to enjoy equally.  Of course not; there is plenty out there. What’s wrong with us?

Daily life is complex, full of worries, new challenges and troubles. Whatever dominant, many people tire out and fail to recharge properly. We often overlook the reviving pleasure, which is not far away and unattainable as we imagined. Stop awhile, spot beautiful things and occasions around us, and don’t just be a looker-on; otherwise, the limited participation undercut the potential enjoyment. Maybe we should learn from the dogs, grasping at every opportunity to live out happy moments as much as we can.

I hope everyone could learn the secret of being happy and stop being a looker-on. We deserve more. Next time, I will fly my kite high up in the sky instead of solely watching you – good dogs.

Author’s note:

The Nature is often very inspiring. Take a look at the dogs and cats; it’s amazing to notice that humans can learn a lot from these cute animals. Read the three articles below for the amusing tips I discovered so far.

Valuable Things We can Learn from Dogs

Valuable Things We Can Learn From Cats

Learn How to Sleep Well: A Lesson From Animals

How to Encourage Children to Read Books

Schooling is inadequate to one’s growth. Many parents try to help their kids develop good hobbies that benefit their lifetime, for example, reading.

Reading books can cultivate one’s mind. Parents can try many methods to encourage their kids to read books and develop the habit of reading. Some options may be a little bit costly; whereas, other options could cost very little or not a penny. But one thing for sure is that parents have to be very patient in making investments (time, money and care, etc.) since the “fall in love” process may take a long time to establish, consolidate and hopefully, auto run. Continuous support to the kids will be required.

1. Buy books

Give interesting books to your kids as gifts. To save money for more books, buy at a discount sales. 2nd hand book is also money saving. If you are concerned with cleanliness, apply antiseptic on the used book (damp a piece of cloth with the liquid and wipe).

2. Borrow books

Borrow books from library and friends. Public library is an invaluable access to large number of books at nearly no cost.

3. Bring children to the library

With numerous books on various subjects and many reading kids enjoying at the spot, let your children assimilate into the reading atmosphere and explore their interest.

4. Read with kids

Adults are highly recommended leading the children who often do not know where to start. Read with kids to help them focus on the books.

5. Choose picture books

Photos, drawings and colors attract kids’ attention and stimulate their minds.

6. Choose pop-up books

Pop-up books offer good surprises and help capture kids’ attention and curiosity, or even unleash their imagination.

7. Choose interactive books

Some books offer more fun. For example, they require kids not only to read the words, but also draw and do mathematics. Some story books come along with CD so that the kids can follow the lines with someone reading to them.

8. Choose books at appropriate level

If the content is too difficult, kids lose interest easily. When children read more books, their reading ability will enhance gradually. Don’t push hard and spoil all the efforts paid.

9. Bedtime story

Arrange bedtime story to encourage kids get more involved in books for reading and listening. Promote read on request. Children will have to read books at daytime and decide which one to be read by you.

10. Chat with kids

Ask your children what books they have read and how they feel like. Let them tell you the story. If you are a good listener, kids will try reading more books so that they could have more topics to chat with you.

11. Story reading party

Arrange a party to invite kids sitting together to listen to a book reading. Let them discuss the story afterwards.

12. Book reading club

This gathering focuses on sharing what books one has read in a month, the favorite read and what it is about. Kids can have the opportunity to express their thoughts on their reading, encouraging them to take the initiatives to present what they learned or recommend a book.

If parents succeed in helping their children develop reading as a hobby, the young ones will gain more knowledge and there will be less time for bad hobbies and friends. Thus, hesitate no more but get started to inspire children do more reading and enjoying themselves with a lot of benefits.

Author’s note:

Love reading is an asset. Another one is budgeting money well. You can teach the kids the good money concept before they earn their first penny. Read the article below for more details. 

How to Inculcate Good Money Concept to Children

Random Thoughts on a Sandwich

Sandwich is delicious and easy to prepare. It can relate to healthy diet, healthier children, parent’s duty, kids’ independence … Read on to see why.

We can put various ingredients between the two slices of bread. Select ingredients wisely and modestly, sandwich could have high nutrient value, beneficial to one’s health. We could explore the potential and introduce a different version for every meal. The diet could be less boring and healthier. It won’t take too much time to prepare a sandwich especially when the ingredients don’t need cooking at all. Below is a simple recipe I enjoy very much.

Simple sandwich recipe: 
                 
1. Toast two slices of bread (optional)
2. Put a slice of pineapple on the bread.
3. Spread the tuna fish.
4. Close the top with another slice of bread. (That’s all.)

With such easy preparation, many people in the world couldn’t enjoy a bite. They are the unlucky ones who suffer from hunger. Let’s devour the whole sandwich and never allow leftover for those poor guys’ sake. Sandwich is flexible. If you don’t have a big appetite, pick or make a light sandwich. Or have a half-size one.

Some children don’t have the luck to enjoy a bite regardless of the money. Their parents don’t offer them sandwich but let them order junk food instead. They are either too busy or too negligent, overlooking the importance of a healthy diet to their kids.

Parents have the duty to select healthy diet for their children and teach them further. Teaching kids how to make a simple sandwich is a perfect start to help them learn to prepare their own foods, a basic survival technique that should be mastered well before entering into adulthood. Start simple, train your kids to take up responsibilities and be more independent.

To guide children properly, parents can work with their children as a team to make the sandwich and eat together. This simple activity could strengthen the family relationship and create good memory for both parents and children.

When you are too busy in preparing foods, your kids can make you a sandwich to quench your hunger. Trust them; children could be a reliable helper if you train them well in advance.

My random thoughts on sandwich are very simple, and yet many kids don’t grow up with the privileges aforementioned. Time passes without mercy. Delay no more. Don’t let your children miss the golden opportunity to learn, to enjoy a better childhood and to equip them well for the future.

Author’s note:

Besides sandwich, parents could also teach their children how to make salad and healthy drinks. Give your kids more worthwhile options rather than let them stick to potato chips and soft drinks all the time.

You Need a Blender to Stay Healthy

My Favorite Salad

Nine Best Animated Movies of Studio Ghibi

Have you ever watched an animated movie of Studio Ghibi? This production company offers high quality works. The list below was composed in year 2011.

Studio Ghibi was established in 1985. It keeps producing animated movies that are worthy of watching. Maybe you are a Studio Ghibi fan and have already watched the complete list of its production. Though I haven’t watched all, I can still recommend nine movies with two honorable mentions, listed in alphabetical order. All photos are from Wikipedia except the one for On Your Mark that comes from Anime News Network's Encyclopedia. The IMDb links are provided for your quick reference.

Castle in the Sky or Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092067/

The story was about a lovely girl being kidnapped to a flying castle. A brave boy saved her from the bad guy. Audience will learn about the secret of this flying castle in which there are interesting robots. The supporting casts, a gang of robbers, are also amusing.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095327/

The story was about a young boy and his little sister struggling to survive during the wartime. The two protagonists are piteous and the movie may provoke some audience shed tears. It is said to be one of the most powerful anti-war movies. Hope you won’t skip it due to the sad theme and mood.

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347149/

The movie is an adaption from the famous fantasy work (same title) written by Diana Wynne Jones. Though some changes were made on the plots, Sophie’s adventure remained to be wonderful. Her new friends were fascinating and she found her true love, Howl.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097814/

When we talk about witch, the first impression is often creepy. It’s time for a change then. Let Kiki work her magic to show us the life of a lovely and good-natured young witch. See how she learned to work independently and help others using her talent.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096283/

Do you believe in forest spirits? I hope you won’t turn down the opportunity to see some cute spirits and even a grinning cat bus. The story is simple. Two little girls got the help of these lovely and kind spirits to take a peek at their mother in the hospital. The characters, spirits and humans, will make your day.

Ponyo (2008)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0876563/

What’s good to be a human? If you can’t find a mermaid to give you an answer, maybe the goldfish princess could solve the riddle. She desperately wanted to be a human. Pray that she will have a better fate than the Mermaid in the fairy tales. Let’s see what happened to her.

Princess Mononoke (1997)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119698/

The world portrayed was a bloody one. There were a lot of wars between humans and forest beasts. The Forest Spirit was shot to death. With all the killings and death, can life find its way to sustain and turn over a new leaf?

                                             

Spirited Away (2001)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/

The little girl, Chihiro experienced a terrible sight -- her parents turned to pigs. Alone in a strange world, she was forced to work and came across many marvelous things. How could she save herself and her parents, and get away from the spirit world? Any help?

The Cat Returns (2002)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347618/

Repayment of one’s kindness is common but sometimes, it could be annoying due to the absurd method and content. Poor Haru, let’s follow her and we will have an extraordinary adventure in the cat kingdom.

Two honorable mentions:

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087544/

Again, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this animated movie was released before the setup of Studio Ghibli. It adopts the
environmental theme. War polluted the world and the Nature was off balanced. Giant insects existed. Under the self-recovery process of the Nature, could the giant insects and humans live in peace together?

On Your Mark (1995)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114038/

Unlike others, this one is a music video Hayao Miyazaki directed for Change and Aska’s song, On Your Mark. It lasts for 6 minutes and 29 seconds. The theme is freedom and I find the story very touching.

Studio Ghibi is still producing high quality animated films. So, the list may be updated in the future. If you enjoy most of the movies in the list, I suggest that you check out the missing ones as well. Welcome to leave a message telling us your favorites. Enjoy watching.

Author’s note:

Besides Studio Ghibi’s productions, there are many other good animated films available in the market. If you would like to have some quick references, click into the two articles below for some ideas.

10 Best Celebrity Voice Actors in Animated Movies

Ten Best Animated Movies for All Ages

How to Slow Down Books from Turning Yellow

What a pain to see my favorite books growing old! I couldn’t find any method to stop them from turning yellow. We could only slow down the harm.

The four books in the photo seat in my drawers for over 20 years. They introduced me to the world of literature. The rim and the inner pages have inevitably turned yellow. Though the deterioration has not affected reading, I still hope these books can last long, within and outreach my lifetime because I love reading them again and again and hopefully, they will find a new home as I planned to donate them to the charity organization for sales after my death.

All the tips below suggest how to slow down books from turning yellow. Try them. Well, it’s better than doing nothing at all.

1. Apply wrap sheets to books the soonest.
2. Put books in PP clear bags and seal tight when they are not read. Keep books away from oxidation as much as possible.
3. Sandpaper the rim that turned yellow.
4. Keep books away from sunlight.
5. Store books in cool place.
6. Use silica gel carefully to remove excessive humidity.

The newcomers are supposed to be more resistant in turning yellow due to the more advanced technology of paper making. However, this doesn’t mean we could overlook the necessary protective measures, lest we predicted wrongly and the race of turning yellow started earlier and speedier than we expected.

No matter what the scale of your book collection is and how the storage is (in bookshelf or simply pile books up on the floor at a corner), let's try our best to slow down the aging of our books as they are good companions that bring us laughter, tears, knowledge and imagination, etc. Welcome to leave a message if you know other methods in saving books from turning yellow. Thank you.

Author’s note:

Do you love reading books? Besides literature, I also read other types of books, for example reference books, children’s books. If you want to try something new, light and easy, and reading with kids, the following books may serve well.

10 Minutes Reading on Dogs or Cats for Dummies

Book Review: The Story of Tracy Beaker

How to use orange peel to improve our living quality?

Many people enjoy eating orange and drinking its juice. Do you simply throw away the peel? We can use the orange peel smartly to improve our life.

(Image from Google search)

1. Generate a smile

Use a marker pen to draw amusing expressions on the orange. The drawing will not hinder us enjoying the pulp and the juice, but the effort will make one’s day. Also, the peel can be reused in some other ways.

2. Get rid of the odor in the microwave oven

Put the orange peel into the microwave oven and cook with low heat for five minutes.

3. Expel bad odor, mosquito and fly

Burn the air-dried peel to expel the bad odor indoors, mosquito and fly. It is also relaxing to breathe the scent.

4. Provoke sleep

Make a scent bag with orange peel inside and put it next to your pillow.

5. Facilitate furniture upkeep

Boil the orange peel with water. Then, dip a wiper into the cool down water, squeeze out excessive water and start wiping.

6. Use in bathing

Air-dry the peel for one week and store it well in an airtight container. To use the standby peel, put it into an old silk sock and dip the whole pack into the bathing water. This helps retain skin moisture and tenderness.

7. Use in drinking

Clean the fresh orange peel and boil with water for 15 minutes. This drink helps soften the blood vessels and lower cholesterol levels. Drink before meal, it can increase one’s appetite.

(Image from Google Search)

8. Use in serving food

You can die cut the orange peel into different shapes to decorate a dish. Or apply die-cut on the peel to make it serve as a stencil to mold the hot chocolate, strawberry sauce in lovely shapes on a dish. Or make the orange peel into a basket to hold food.

9. Use in seasoning

When you want to add orange flavor for seasoning like salt and black pepper, apply the peel on a grater. This can be done before the cake baking and salad dressing, etc.

Keep using the orange peel in many ways instead of throwing it directly to the rubbish-bin untouched. You can improve your living quality in different aspects by unleashing the great potentials of orange peel. Give it a try to enjoy the various benefits.

Author’s note:

Very often, applying a few tips could cut down the living cost significantly. We could also contribute more in environmental protection. If you want some examples, welcome to read the two articles below.

How to Resist Heat in Summer: 11 Cooling Tips

How to Stay Warm in Winter at Lower Cost